BANGKOK, 22 May 2015 – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has explained that if the National Reform Council (NRC) accepts the draft constitution, the planned election will have to be slightly delayed due to the referendum process while insisting he is not intent on extending his time in office.
Commenting on his past statement to foreign press that Thailand would hold the general election at some point in August this year, Gen Prayut clarified that the given estimate was in accord with the initial timeframe of constitution drafting. Should a public referendum on the draft charter be organized, he admitted that the election would inevitably have to be pushed off.
Nonetheless, the premier urged all sides to wait for the NRC’s resolution whether or not to approve the draft constitution. If the draft is turned down, he said it would be unfortunate as all the efforts put in would have gone to waste and the charter drafting process would need to start over. Despite the obligation to carry on his duty as Prime Minister under such a circumstance, he vowed that he has never intended to hold on to power.
Meanwhile, on the occasion of the first anniversary of the military takeover, Gen Prayut said he is content with the achievements of the National Council for Peace and Order so far, especially in the laying down of new structures and foundations for the country. Though deeming the coup unacceptable, he affirmed it was a necessary move in order to save the nation from impending dangers and enable it to move forward.
